Women religious have key role in synod process, pope says
Women religious have an essential role in the process of creating a more synodal church and in preparations for the Synod of Bishops, not just through their prayers and participation, but also by listening to people not usually part of such church activities, Pope Francis said.
U.S. nuncio says he’ll stay, help prepare for synod, Biden-pope meeting
Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the 75-year-old apostolic nuncio to the United States, said when he met Pope Francis at the Vatican Sept. 6, the pope asked him to remain in his post instead of retiring.
By listening to Holy Spirit, synod can be process of healing, pope says
A synod calls on everyone to become experts in “the art of encounter” in a way that is uplifting and transformative, Pope Francis said, formally opening the process leading up to the assembly of the Synod of Bishops in 2023.
Pope warns that synod could be ‘elitist’ exercise unless all have a voice
While a Synod of Bishops is not a parliament and its preparatory process is not “an opinion poll,” Pope Francis insisted that involving as many people as possible in the process and prayerfully listening to all of them is the only way to recognize the call of the Holy Spirit.
Resisting temptation: Synod process relies on faith, trust
From Australia’s Plenary Council, Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane tweeted, “Our small group facilitator was for years a midwife, and she says the process is like giving birth: slow, painful, messy, but in the end fruitful and joyful.”
Pope to begin synodal process with Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis will formally launch the process of the Synod of Bishops with a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Synodal process looks to hear from voices on the margins of the church
Pope Francis is inviting Catholics both in the mainstream of church life and on the margins to voice their dreams, ideas and concerns in preparation for the Synod of Bishops in 2023.
Vatican releases guidance for dioceses to begin synodal path
The Vatican has issued the preparatory document and a “handbook” for dioceses as part of the global church’s preparation for the 2023 assembly of the Synod of Bishops, discussing the theme, “For a synodal church: communion, participation and mission.”
Cardinal calls on monastic communities to pray ahead of synod
Without prayer, especially from the many religious men and women in contemplative life, the journey of the next Synod of Bishops “will surely not bear the hoped-for fruit,” said Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops.
Synod process must begin ‘from bottom up,’ pope tells bishops
Welcoming the Italian bishops’ decision to begin planning a national synod, Pope Francis told them that it must begin at the grassroots with “the smallest parish, the smallest diocesan institution.”
